AFTER suffering heartbreaking losses in each of the past two Ovens and King netball finals series, Whorouly coach Kelly Jackson said the Lions' 2011 premiership win was an overwhelming relief.
The Lions finished on top of the ladder in 2009, only to be knocked out of the finals in straight sets.
Then last year they won every match on their way to the grand final, but were bumped off by Greta in the decider, going down by two goals.
While Whorouly was again strong throughout this year's home and away series, it came into the finals ranked third behind Milawa and Greta.
The Lions went down to the Blues in round five, then in successive weeks in round 18 and the qualifying final, leaving Greta a firm favorite when the two sides met once again in the grand final.
But a brilliant 12-5 opening quarter gave Whorouly the impetus, and from there the Lions hung on to record a thrilling 44-43 victory.
"It has been frustrating, because we knew we were good enough to win one," Jackson said.
"Having not beaten Greta in last year's grand final and three matches this year, we knew we were close but it was going to take some hard work to turn it around.
"We played well early on and capitalised on our chances, but Greta wasn't going to lay down.
"Fortunately our good start was enough to get us over the line.
"It was a huge relief at the end, and just a lot of excitement that we had finally won one.
"Doing it against Greta made it even better."
Jackson said one of the keys to victory was sticking with her starting line up, and praised the attitude of back ups Lee Cappellari and Rhonda Lockhart.
"The previous games we made changes, so that was something we wanted to do different this time," she said.
"I spoke to Lee during the finals, and she thought that was the best way to go as well.
"She was happy to be on the bench in case we needed her she just wanted to do what was best for the team.
"Rhonda came into the team as a back up, so it wasn't as hard for her, but both of them had great attitudes about it."
As for what is next for the most senior line up in the competition, Jackson said she would respect whatever decisions her teammates made on their playing futures.
"I don't know if I will be coaching again next year," she said.
"I really haven't thought about it at this stage.
"I think some of our more senior players are probably unsure of whether they will play again.
"But we've got that premiership now, so for the girls who have been around the club for a long time, if they wanted to go outnow I would fully understand that."
By - SCOTT ANDERSON.
CHAMPIONS: Whorouly's premiership heroes (from left) Sarah Newton, Lee Cappellari, Nat Marek-Rhodes, Rhonda Lockhart, Janelle McMasters, Kelly Jackson, Sally Chalmers, Kristy Newton and Kerry Newton.
PHOTO: Stephen Henderson
The above photos are available from the front desk at the Wangaratta Chronicle.
www.nenews.com.au
Last Modified on 24/09/2011 09:37